The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ quarterback unit played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014. Here’s a breakdown of the season, highlighting standout performances and areas of improvement.
Haynes King’s Impact
As the starter, Haynes King led the Yellow Jackets to a 7-4 record in games he played, delivering a productive season. Announcing his return was a significant boost for the team, and he performed impressively both in the air and on the ground.
Passing Game: King threw for 2,114 yards and 14 touchdowns while maintaining a career-best 72.9% completion rate, ranking among the national leaders. He also surpassed the 2,000-yard mark for the second time in his career and threw only two interceptions all season.
Rushing Game: He was a dual-threat weapon, rushing for 587 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Notable Performance: Despite an AC shoulder joint sprain in 2024, King showcased his resilience, particularly against Georgia. In a valiant effort, he passed for 303 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 110 yards and three touchdowns. His performance earned praise from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who called him a “warrior.”
Accolades: King finished 12th in QBR (78.6) and was named an All-ACC honorable mention.
Aaron Philo’s Emergence
Freshman Aaron Philo stepped up during King’s injury, demonstrating potential as Georgia Tech’s quarterback of the future.
Stats: Philo recorded 565 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, with a 51.4% completion rate. While he needs to improve his accuracy, his downfield passing showed promise.
Big Moments:
Against Miami, Philo orchestrated a crucial scoring drive under pressure to secure the win.
In a game against NC State, he led a 75-yard game-winning drive in just over a minute, sealing the victory with an 18-yard touchdown run.
Intangibles: Philo displayed poise, confidence, and a knack for performing in clutch situations, characteristics that solidify his role as a dependable future starter.
Zach Pyron’s Contribution
Backup quarterback Zach Pyron had mixed results during his appearances.
Performance: In relief of King, Pyron threw for 345 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions over two games (Notre Dame and Virginia Tech).
Challenges: He struggled with turnovers and consistency, earning the team’s lowest PFF passing grade (57.9). However, he set a career-high in rushing yards (127) and did his best to keep the team competitive despite offensive stagnation during his starts.
Overall Assessment
Georgia Tech’s quarterbacks were among the strongest units on the team in 2024. King’s leadership and dual-threat abilities anchored the offense, while Philo’s emergence provided optimism for the future. Pyron offered depth but faced challenges in efficiency. The unit consistently delivered in critical moments, proving instrumental to the Yellow Jackets’ success.